ABGs, resp acid/alkalosis

Question 1

Pa02 on air should be

Answer 1

> 10 kPa

Question 2

What does paCO2 > 6 kPa suggest?

Answer 2

respiratory acidosis or resp compensation for metabolic alkalosis

Question 3

what does PaCO2 < 4.7 kPa suggest?

Answer 3

a respiratory alkalosis (or respiratory compensation for a metabolic acidosis)

Question 4

bicarbonate < 22 mmol/l (or a base excess < - 2mmol/l suggest?

Answer 4

metabolic acidosis (or renal compensation for a respiratory alkalosis)

Question 5

bicarbonate > 26 mmol/l (or a base excess > + 2mmol/l) suggest?

Answer 5

metabolic alkalosis (or renal compensation for a respiratory acidosis)

Question 6

ROME

Answer 6

Respiratory = Opposite
low pH + high PaCO2 i.e. acidosis, or
high pH + low PaCO2 i.e. alkalosis

Metabolic = Equal
low pH + low bicarbonate i.e. acidosis, or
high pH + high bicarbonate i.e. akalosis

Question 7

Respiratory acidosis caused by

Answer 7

COPD
decompensation of other resp conditions
Meuromuscular disease
Obesity hypoventilation syndrome
sedative drugs: benzodiazepines, opiate OD

Question 8

Respiratory alkalosis causes

Answer 8

anxiety leading to hyperventilation
pulmonary embolism
salicylate poisoning (early)
CNS disorders: stroke, subarachnoid haemorrhage, encephalitis
altitude
pregnancy